Harbor Freight Sawmill Complete Review
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- Today we are going to take an in-depth look at the Harbor Freight Sawmill. We're going to cut a lot of wood, and examine every part that makes up this sawmill. If you are in the market for an affordable sawmill, this might be the Mill for you.
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Watching logs get milled into building materials is extremely satisfying.
yeah it is
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@@Bushradical LOOK UP ( JONATHAN W ) ON YOU-TUBE ,, HE BUILD A SAW MILL ...
Oddly ....
How many price?
Dave, I think Harbor freight owes you a new mill for this great video of their sawmill.
I concur my good man
Well let's just put it like this. if I was going to build the cabin. on a pice of property I could cut down my own trees... and for $2,400 I couldn't buy it by enough lumber to build a nice cabin... so I could buy this for $2,400 make the track longer For another 300 bucks. So I could cut 20' or 24' logs and I could make a nice big beautiful cabin in the woods and when I was done I wouldn't have to buy 1 board at all and I would still have the mill so I could build other things. or just sell the mill and recop my money.... You can't buy enough lumber for $2,400 to build a big cabin so I don't see the downfall in it buying this at all
I do have to wonder how you'd do for treating the timber for termites and moisture ingress.
One to one used motor oil and diesel,farmers have been doing it for years !
@@terrystines2536 oh heck yeah, sweet
@@classydays43you burn the wood ( The shou sugi ban process)
and scape and wire brush the char off. Then you treat the wood with diesel fuel and motor oil.
Will last for generations
I was looking for something completely different than a sawmill video but when I see a posting from Dave at Bushradical I gotta stop and watch!!
Thanks, I appreciate that
Dave, I've watched a lot of your videos where you are building/constructing something. Your presentation, knowledge, advice, tips, etc, are all excellent. You'd make an excellent full-time instructor for a Building Trades class,either at a high school, or a community college, or a technical college. Besides all your outdoors advice/tips.
I appreciate that
@Bushradical I agree with Thomas. You've got skills Dave. Excellent review. Stay safe. God Bless you and yours 🙏✌❤😊
Thanks Sandra
Honestly, better he teaches millions on RUclips!
@@Bushradical Dave, I've always thought the same thing!
I've been wanting a sawmill for a while now and ran across this one on Harbor Freight, so I started looking for reviews and RUclips videos. The last Harbor Freight tool I bought was a circular saw blade sharpener that you did a review on and I'm very happy with it and I'm glad to see that you've done a review of the sawmill I'm looking at. It looks like this mill will be very adequate for my needs and so far, I haven't seen anything too negative on it. Thanks Dave!
Good to see brothers working together, one of Gods blessings... Oh, you did a great job explaining the workings and the pitfalls of this saw. I say you did well buying it at the price you stated, especially with the price of lumber.
Great job on taking us through the operation of this machine!
Thanks
Dad has got to be proud of those boys.
Thanks
Hey Dave! It’s funny that I found this video while watching sawmill videos on RUclips. I’m running a small Cooks bandsaw mill back here in Michigan and am loving it. Great videos and I’ll watch more.
Like always you did a fabulous job explaining all the details. Straight talk right to the point just the way I like it. I love how you explain it and move right along
Thanks. I always try to make videos "watchable"
Thanks, Dave. I've watched a lot of sawmill videos and yours explained the workings of it the best. Good job, Dave!!
Thanks
This is a must view video for anyone considering buying or using a Harbor Freight Sawmill.
Thanks
@@Bushradical Is this sponsored?
@@jaypeters6164 He bought it used, so my guess is no.
Great review!
Something that may help you.... turn the 45° angle on the top of the log stops towards the log that your milling so the log is easier to turn. The log will slip off the slope and won't hang on the top of the stop.
Again Great video! Really enjoy all your work, keep it up.
25 expensive band saw manufacturers disliked this video! GREAT JOB DAVE!
LOL, thanks
No doubt about the comments regarding Dave's expertly presented instructions. More RUclips channel creators need to follow his example. CARRY ON Dave. P.S. My wife and I enjoy both you and Brooke's individual channels but really enjoy the vids where you are both working. To see Brooke's skills working along side of you is team work personified. Blessings to you both. Mike and Lori.
Thanks Mike
I've been watching a lot of sawmill reviews recently and yours is the best...by far. Thanks!
Wow, thanks!
Wow man! Super job on this! You are a natural! Thank you!
I appreciate that!
At no point in my nearly 60 years of living have I ever said, "I think I want to mill my own lumber." Which is good because at no point in those years have I ever had enough logs to mill my own lumber. But you present it so well, and make it all seem so simple, that less than halfway into the video I started to think, "I might want to try doing that." And to be honest.. I would like to try it. It's not something I'd ever "do" full time, I certainly still don't have access to enough logs to make it worthwhile, but you make it look so satisfying to do that if I ever get the chance to lend someone else a hand I definitely will. Thanks for another great video Dave, as always I was captivated from start to finish.
Thanks Bob
This is my same sentinent. Dave's manner of communication is easily understood.
I am older too, but I am of a certain station in life where I can afford to attempt these outdoorsy & rustic methods of building sheltet in the woods.😁. Sounds kinda whimsical, but if I try it I just might like it.
Stay Radical. BushRadical.
Thanks Truth.
Could they be rented? I'm assuming they could probably a higher quality one then the HF brand.
@@Mike-01234 Not really something you rent. usually you just pay someone to bring their mill to your location and work on your logs.
I looked at this mill. I ended up ordering the Woodland Mill HM126 14 hp. It seems to be a much better mill for a few more bucks. I also hear they have top notch customer service.
Thank you for explaining! Never realized how much detailed information in Mill. 🙋🏻♀️
I have the same mill,I attached wire brushes in front of both left rollers . cured the buildup on rollers
There's tons of performance parts for those predator engines, you could turn that 8hp into 19hp with just parts.
Thanks for your explanation on the engine components budy ,l appreciate s your message m so satisfied to hear from you and so happy to watch your videos. 👍👍👍👍👍😎
Nothing like milling lumber. Been sanding, priming and painting vehicles before the snow and salt here in Canada. Automotive paint would be perfect for repainting the saw. Enjoyed the video.
Good to know. Thanks
@@Bushradical You will want to get it down to the bare metal (zero rust) and primer it well. It is tempting to just shoot it with paint, but auto paint tends to peel pretty easily if not anchored down with a good primer. There are some etching paints that don't need to be as pristine or much of a primer - I think that this is how Rustoleum gets away with painting with a little bit of surface rust and thin primer coats. The color won't be perfect or uniform, but you can just shoot the high wear areas every couple of years with a rattle can. Considering that quality auto paint will cost $100s to paint the mill completely just for paint - I would rattle can it.
Thanks
When you back out the blade and if you do longer cuts, use a couple wedges under the plank just enough to take the pressure off
11:33 Would love to see your brother's cabin! or even the making of. Greetings from italy
He's supposed to film when he builds it....he's been toying with the idea of a RUclips channel for a few years, but hasnt got started yet
Good job you are the best I have seen on harbor freight.
Use your Alaskan Sawmill to make cants that will fit your mill without a disassembly
He probably wanted to show it's capabilities as a standalone mill. An Alaska mill plus a 100cc saw costs as much as this mill and most people won't have one.
If you do have an Alaska mill, it is a good idea. I wasn't disagreeing with you.
Thank goodness I checked your channel, it didn’t come up on my feed. Classic RUclips
Right.
Just pulled the trigger on this mill, I've been contemplating for almost a year which small portable mill to buy and harbor freight has always treated us right every time we might have an issue with a tool. So your video is the icing on the cake my friend! Look forward to more of your milling videos!
I live in NYC, and have no use for this. But if I was buying this thing... this is the video review I would want!
Dave, what an excellent review! As a forty-some year mechanical and manufacturing engineer it is so refreshing to see you take control of the situation and make this gadget perform! Personally, I am impressed to see that someone else knows how to position a Crescent wrench to torque a nut properly! So satisfying to use a simple machine to create building materials from the raw resources! Well done and thank you for sharing your most excellent skills with the rest of us!
Here a tip. You might already know but you can use windshield washer fluid for lubricant when it gets really cold and keep milling in the winter.
My husband has been a carpenter for over 30 years. Since he has been watching several different DIY projects on RUclips, your channel being the first one. You still remain his favorite.
Reason being, you keep it real, you don’t edit out your mistakes, and you take the time to explain how to and why. We are looking for land to build our own cabin now. I believe he would actually be star struck if he met you! 😂 He says he would dig a poop whole with you anytime! Stay Radical!
I hope a sponsor company gives you a chance, because this was very informative and entertaining. I have no reason to own a sawmill and I’ve enjoyed watching both of these videos.
what do you mean a "sponsor company"?
A good and thorough report thank you Dave
Thanks
Very detailed review. I don’t even need a milk but I watched the whole video!
Dave, I recently found your site and I have been extremely impressed by the presentation and knowledge you have. I have been working on an off grid cabin for a couple of years. It was an amash shed (16x30), I ran electrical, dry wall, windows etc. I have paid off my land and everything that is on it, thanks to a tour in Afghanistan. I recently stumbled on to your small cabin build, the 10x12, it is perfect as I will be building my outhouse. Watching your wife work with you has also inspired my wife and she wants to help! See i have finally found a composting toilet that is easy and inexpensive and I have many women in my life. Finding a tree to pee is not their motto. I will also be adding a shower since I have also found a spring near my cabin. I want to thank you for the great ideas for the build, no nonsense instructions and even the cost video #5 I believe, it will be very helpful. I will check in when i finish and possibly send photoes if you would like?
Didn't know Harbor freight tools has a saw mill nice to know that, thanks
Dude, great video. We also own this mill and still learned a thing or two. Thank you. You pretty much summed it up. Can’t beat it for the cost. We’re also seeing the same issues; build up in the wheels, irregular steel dimensions, a little “shake” when sawing. Nothing that can’t be easily addressed. A tip that was passed to us is to rotate the pull start clockwise, facing you. Thanks again.
Thanks for all info and great tips on the saw. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Thanks
Better presentation than many university professors.
I'd be real cautious just running out to HF and dropping my CC... Just looked at the one on their website (02/23) and noticed the bunks are not channel now it appears to be much lighter material. ( why am I not surprised ). Correct me if I'm wrong.
Great review... Good camerawork and Really Good Clear Audio!!!
I've got some pine on my property that are easily 32 inches and up. Guess I'm looking at finding someone with a big mill to handle those monsters. Thanks for this video Dave! It's helping me craft my plan of planning my build!
good luck
Look at that awesome stack of lumber!! Thanks so much! Excellent job! Can't wait to see it nailed up!!
Thanks
Best 21: 33 minutes of my day! Thanks for this, Dave.
Thanks
That was an awesome review, Dave! The only thing I’d add - if I could, lol 😂 - is the smell of that fresh cut wood! 😁❤️
You have to run the mill to get the smell
Really good video!! Helps me make up my mind that maybe i could get by with a whole lot less expensiive mill,i can give you an idea on keeping that rail roller clean, just drill a small hole in that roller block. and screw a heavy wire to it and bend it around untiil it fits in top of that groove...it should keep if cleaned out...unless it gets bent away from it..hope this can help....thankyou so much for your video👍👍👍
Good idea , Thanks
Thanks so much David. This is perfect for the times. The way lumber prices are going this is the way to go if you have wooded land.
Thanks
Wow, it’s very calming to watch logs being run thru…
Right !
Dave, outstanding show and tell. Best I’ve seen on this mill. I’m wanting one 👍🏻
Thanks Greg
hey we got one of these. built a covering for it and had some extra track made for longer logs.
Works pretty good, we are using blades for a norwood - because the harbor freight ones are like 100 each.
I’m thinking about building my own mill. I just bought20 acres of 30 year old pine and I may cut my own lumber to build my own cabin.
Kris Harbour Natural Building, made one on RUclips a lot of sleepless nights he said not again.
right on
Very good video. I learned a lot. Thank you!
Great video, really appreciate your time and effort you put in to this ! I’ve been wondering about this saw mill for a while and wondered if it be worth having it or be more of a nightmare when I went to use it or not? Think you helped with a lot of my questions and anxiety of whether or not to buy one! May not be a lot of money for some people, but 2 grand a lot to me and I don’t want to waste money on something that won’t do the job or falls apart right off the bat so to speak! I feel better about spending my money on this now and hopefully it will be a good choice?
Great video! Can’t make myself pull the trigger on something that’s going to cost ten grand. This might be the ticket. Thanks.
...let the sawdust fly, good job, keep safe..
Thanks
I imagine those spare pieces off the ends would make a good esthetic piece for a non load bearing structure (like a chicken coop). That saw dust would be great for a layered garden too.
Right on
Top notch as usual! I’ve been watching you and Brooke since before ‘alone’ and have never been disappointed by one of your videos. Your communication skills are great. With your knowledge and experience in this area I would have no concern in pulling the trigger on this mill. The way you explained it was great. If I do buy a mill like this I’m sure I will be returning to this video for tips and pointers. Thanks again!
Great review and demonstration.
Another fantastic video, more technical than i need but Im always drawn in by your narration. I could listen to you discuss analyze just about anything. Your calm, genuine, friendly voice and demeanor is like hanging out with a real friend everytime. I really appreciate everything you create, your genuine nature really shines through all of it, thanks Dave!
Such a nice thing to say and very true👍😉🤗
Nice! Great video, very informative. I do enjoy your channel. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and tips on the up grades and alterations for this saw.
You did an excellent job, Dave! Been waiting for this follow up.I think ,you broke it down and explained each component, very clearly!( presentation)For some one, who would like to get started on a type of entry, level, saw mill and strapped for cash, this would be the way to go!Thank you, for taking the time to make this video!👍
Great review. Very informative. Thanks.
... Enjoyed the demo review ,, as a tool freak I would love to have a mill ,, no real need at this time ,, but who knows ,, if the price was right , maybe... I have a neighbor that has one of these at his shop and every now and then I would stop to see what he's up to with it ...
..With a cabin build in your future and tree's that probably need cleared ,, seems like a win-win to me ....
true
Very nicely done review, thanks.
Impressive for what it is. Great review too! My experience is to always oil foam air filters to catch the smallest abrasive particulates. If you'll drag a hose down and rinse the logs before cutting you can seriously lengthen the blade life as it won't be cutting through dirt on the outside of the log. The lightest oil you have on hand will be okay. Touch up paint with black Rustoleum. Eventually the whole thing will be black and the easiest color to maintain and blend. You'll also know which areas to pay attention to for future corrosion. You can easily rig up a self cleaner for the wheels with a wire brush and hose clamp. Who cares how it looks. It's a tool!
Thanks
Really good video Dave. Very interesting. I am seriously thinking of going this way.
Go for it!
Thank you, Dave. I appreciate the review. It gives us another angle to be more self-reliant and support each other. The big name stores have been killing us all with prices and something like this makes building a project feasible. In Louisiana after hurricane season there are ALWAYS logs around begging to be useful.
I like the idea of this. Cheap and simple but gets the job done. A lot of people now we’re getting into homesteading I’m just realizing after the last couple years of lockdowns in the government messing with everything that we need to be more independent and a lot of people are trying to get some bills done and couldn’t get word or paid 500% and 600% mark ups. People are realizing there may be a time when if you want to build a shed or a cabin garage you might have to find another way to source your wood. Would Mills can be several thousand if not well over $10,000. I watch this and everything on here that you showed was a problem or something I could fix, instead of spending $8000 on a meal I would almost rather just go out by five or six of these used and source some bearings and belts and blades just have a lifetime supply of sawmills and parts. Everything on there is pretty easy to replace or build and it may not be the ultimate in precision but if you need to build a shed or a cabin it will get the job done and if you’ve only got a couple thousand dollars, you’re not going to find another sawmill and this is definitely way better than nothing. I think if I had one of these working that I wouldn’t bother upgrading. This will cut slabs and dimensional lumber and for most people and hobbyist send for just being independent and wanting to use wood off your land instead of just burning it and buying your lumber from a store, I think this is awesome. Going to build animal sheds or a woodshed or a cabin or some benches or decks her garage, this is more than good enough. I’d be happy with it and I agree with you on the engines, Hondas are nice but I bought Honda clones off of eBay for 50 bucks come of this size you could probably find for under $200 easy and a hand is not gonna last five times longer. The predators are a good base design and you can get parts for them so I’ve got no problem with them. If my life depended on it like it was some sort of air pump for breathing while I’m diving or something I might spring for the Honda but for this I’m fine with the cheaper engines, I can get two or three running and if I have a problem to swap it out and fix it later. I’m sold, if I see a good deal on a used one I’ll snag it
Best thing in this mill: it's in metric! 🤣
It's like imperial but not quite 🤣
Yes, but in the US all the steel is NOT metric
The U.S. has been moving towards the metric system for years…inch by inch…
Love the simple explanations and videos!
Thanks
Not only are you very handy with tools and building, you are an excellent content creator. Subscribed!
One video and you got my sub. What a perfect review
Great job ol'boy. Ash wood isn't very colorful but sure does stand the test of time.
Thank you, this was very informative.
Michigan Mills...loved the Outhouse !
Thanks
That review was perfect. Thank you Dave and keep doing what you do. Happy Thanksgiving.
Good honest review. Well done, Mate.
Thanks!
Dave, don't waste those flitches, make your first cut 1" short of where you did and then you can get an extra 1x on each side.
Nice video, great job! 👍👍👍👍👍
Excellent narrative! Thanks
Thanks
Well done video. Very informative.
No sir those adjustable bolts are for making siding that needs a tapered edge.
Really miss your guitar reviews. Get back in there buddy.
Save I think you need to make you a little scratcher to go over that wheel where it builds up. It'll scrape it off as you roll it.
Nice work man, appreciate ya!
Hay bushie.looks like a lot of work.great info.😜💪👌
Thanks
Thank you. This mill could pay for itself within a couple of days of milling. Somewhat primitive but if something breaks, everything can be fixed with parts from a hardware store.
Wouldn't be too hard to build some type of scraper to keep those tracks clear of sawdust.
Spend some money on a good blade, a sharp blade will take the load off the motor 👍🙂
Great rundown on the mill, thanks 👍👍🇦🇺
I bought three new blades after I shot this video. I actually have a sawyer shop down the road from me that sharpens big saw mill blades ( wheels) and makes there own band saw blades from huge rolls of the stuff......
wow, what a great review, thanks 👍👍
Change the float bowl for one made with glass. So you can see when the fuel filter needs changed.
As usual, great job!!!
Dave, thank you so much for this review. I just ordered one of these mills from Harbor Freight. Where the tracks come together seems to he a common complaint. Did you do anything special to marry up the two tracks for a truer cut?
Dang fine assessment.
Excellent review sir. Thank you. Very cool machine. It seems a better way to go than chainsaw mills.
Great video Sir!
Great video Dave.
Thanks 👍
I wonder if you could get one of these to run off of wood gas.... I imagine you could but it would be a cool project to experiment with.
Im not sure if anyone has mentioned this but I did look on harbor freight's website and they do provide a parts list so getting replacement parts may not be all that difficult.